Photo Source: Pure Michigan
Native American Heritage Month in Michigan offers a meaningful opportunity to honor and learn about the state’s Indigenous communities, their traditions, languages, and contributions. The month-long observance highlights the rich history of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians, and invites everyone to explore the culture and heritage of Michigan’s Native tribes.
Key Points About Native American Heritage Month:
- What It Is: Native American Heritage Month celebrates Indigenous peoples’ contributions and traditions, including the languages, customs, and histories that are integral to American culture.
- When It Is: Celebrated each November across the United States.
- History: The recognition began with American Indian Day in 1915 and was later expanded into National American Indian Heritage Month by President George H.W. Bush in 1990.
- Michigan’s Indigenous Communities: Michigan is home to 12 federally recognized Native American tribes, including the Ottawa, Ojibway, Chippewa, and Potawatomi, among others. These tribes have a deep historical and cultural connection to the region, which has been inhabited by Indigenous people for over 10,000 years.
Michigan’s Federally Recognized Tribes:
- Bay Mills Indian Community
- Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians
- Hannahville Indian Community
- Keweenaw Bay Indian Community
- Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
- Little River Band of Ottawa Indians
- Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians
- Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Potawatomi Indians (Gun Lake)
- Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians
- Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians
- Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe
- Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians
Events in Michigan for Native American Heritage Month:
There are many ways to engage with Native American culture through local events across the state, such as:
Corn Husk Dolls Workshop
Date: Nov. 7, 6 p.m.
Location: Madison Heights Public Library
Description: Learn the traditional craft of making corn husk dolls, a Native American art form.
“Woman Walks Ahead” Movie Showing
Date: Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
Location: Central Michigan University
Description: This film tells the true story of a woman who becomes an advocate for Native American rights.
Indigenous Foods Cooking Class
Date: Nov. 16, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Food Distribution Office, Manistee
Description: Discover and taste Indigenous foods prepared by tribal members.
Native American Heritage Month Storytime
Date: Nov. 21, 10 a.m.
Location: Manistee County Library
Description: Enjoy a special story time event focused on Native American tales and traditions.
“A Cloud over the Land” Book Talk and Exhibition Tour
Date: Nov. 24, 2-3 p.m.
Location: University of Michigan
Description: Explore the history of Native American peoples through an exhibition and book discussion.
How You Can Celebrate:
- Attend events: Check local listings for more events and festivals celebrating Native American culture and history.
- Support Indigenous businesses: Visit local Native American artisans, shops, and food vendors.
- Learn and share: Educate yourself and others about the history, culture, and ongoing contributions of Native American communities, especially those in Michigan.
This is a great month to reflect on the important role that Indigenous communities have played in shaping Michigan’s history and to celebrate the resilience and richness of their cultures.
